Supplemental
Classes

Physical Education and Health

Students participate in our Physical Education program and are given the opportunity, through individual and group activities, to practice the principles of fair play, honesty and good sportsmanship. The program enables students to develop physically and socially in an informal atmosphere. Physical Education classes are scheduled twice per week.

In our Health program, students are instructed in good health care for themselves and respect for each other's individual differences. Health classes meet once per week.

Art

Students participate in Art classes, which are held weekly throughout the school year. Art can stimulate the imagination of the students, increase awareness, open new doors and extend boundaries.

Music

The place of music in the general curriculum is to develop the creative and aesthetic aspects of the child's personality. Music classes are held weekly throughout the school year.

Computer Education

The National Commission on Excellence in Education has recognized that it is no longer enough to be competent in the "three R's". The commission identified a fourth basic skill, computer competence, which was not necessary in the past, but is one that must be mastered in today's society. Computer instruction is offered to all students as part of the curriculum in kindergarten through eighth grade. The computer is utilized as a powerful tool that can strengthen student learning in reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies. Programs used for reinforcement, skills remediation and enrichment are extensions of lessons taught in the classroom.

Foreign Language (Spanish)

Spanish studies are offered to all students on a weekly basis.

Family Life Program

Family life, for the Catholic Christian, is very important and sacred. Recognizing this, our bishops have given their support to courses of study that will help develop healthy attitudes and values necessary for Catholic family life. These attitudes and values address five specific needs of young people:

• They need skills and knowledge for family living, both now and for the future when they, too, become mature Catholic parents.

• They need to understand their own spiritual, physical and emotional development as well as the development of people around them.

• They need to cultivate a deep respect for all life, especially human life.

• They need to develop a Catholic Christian understanding of and reverence for sexuality.

• They need to relate with others outside the family and thereby take their responsible place in society.

The Benziger Family Life Program (K - 8) meets these specific needs by developing five basic themes at each level. Within each theme, young people are helped to see, to internalize, and to act upon the values by which the Catholic person strives to live.